The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on one additional dairy cattle herd in the state of Michigan that had recently received cows from Texas. This confirmation is in addition to those made on Monday in two dairy cattle herds in Texas and two herds in Kansas. Similarly, this latest confirmation was made via milk samples as well as nasal swabs and viral genome sequencing of the affected herds. USDA is conducting similar tests in other states.
USDA confirmed that the detections appear to have been introduced by wild birds; however, the Department continues to conduct an epidemiological investigation into how the virus is being spread among dairy herds and so far has no conclusive evidence. In the meantime, USDA strongly recommends limited or cautious movement of cattle.
The USDA, CDC, and FDA affirmed again today that milk and dairy products remain safe to consume and there is no threat to human health. Pasteurization (high heat treatment) kills harmful pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms, including viruses inclusive of HPAI. Routine testing and well-established protocols for U.S. dairy also continue to ensure that only safe milk enters the food supply. The federal Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) prohibits milk from sick cows from entering the food supply chain. Sick or affected dairy cows are segregated on farms, as is normal practice with any animal health concern, and their milk does not enter the food supply.
Additionally, USDA and FDA remind consumers that raw milk should not be consumed regardless of its availability. Raw milk is a key vehicle in the transmission of human pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7, Campylobacter, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella, among others. As this situation continues to evolve, IDFA joins the USDA and FDA in strongly recommending that all raw milk and raw milk components be heat treated to a temperature and duration that kills harmful pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms, including viruses inclusive of HPAI, regardless of the product’s intended use for human or animal consumption. FDA also recommends out of an abundance of caution that milk from cows in an affected herd not be used to produce raw milk cheeses.
IDFA has developed guidance for members and partners here.
According to federal officials, there are no expected impacts on the nation’s dairy supply at this time due to overlapping safeguards in place by U.S. dairy. Consumers in the United States and around the world can remain confident in the safety and quality of U.S. dairy.
IDFA is working with federal partners to ensure trading partners rely on the OIE-acknowledged, science-based food safety steps taken in U.S. dairy processing to preserve market access.
IDFA is working with dairy industry partners as well as state and federal partners to educate farmers and the broader dairy industry about the need to increase biosecurity protocols. Advanced and stringent biosecurity protocols should be instituted on dairies across the country. HPAI is primarily spread by birds to animals, including mammals, and will spread on farms by people carrying matter from infected birds—such as dust, dander, and bird droppings—on their clothing, gloves, soles of their shoes, vehicle tires, animal trailers, and other equipment, in addition to contaminated water. As we learn more about vectors of transmission, guidance and resources may be expanded. More information on biosecurity measures can be found here and here.
If farmers suspect their cows are sick, veterinarians should report illnesses to state vet authorities as soon as possible. USDA has told the dairy community and practitioners that cattle are expected to fully recover in a few weeks and there is no need to cull dairy cows as HPAI poses a low risk to human health. In the meantime, USDA strongly recommends limited or cautious movement of cattle, testing before moving cattle, and quarantining cattle upon arrival at their destination. USDA will continue to share information as they learn more.
IDFA will continue to monitor this developing situation and share information as we have it. Thank you.
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